Postdoctoral Position Available:
Carotenoids as Tracers of Trophic Relationships in the Great Lakes
Dr. Katherine Alben, Asst Prof, Dept Environmental Health Toxicology, SUNY-Albany
A Postdoctoral Research Affiliate is sought to investigate carotenoids in specimens collected
from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. This position will be open late in 2004: the Research Affiliate
would receive full support for at least 13 months.
The goal of research for New York Sea Grant is to determine the carotenoid composition of
tissues from benthic invertebrates and fish, primarily to deduce their food-web relationships.
From this information, it is of interest to identify trophic pathways for outbreaks of type E
botulism in fish and piscivorous birds of the Great Lakes. Carotenoid composition of select
tissues will be determined primarily by high-pressure liquid chromatography with photodiode
array and atmospheric pressure-chemical ionization-mass spectrometric detectors.
Candidates for the Postdoctoral Research Affiliate position should have received a graduate
degree in chemistry, biology, toxicology, environmental, health, or nutrition sciences. Crossdisciplinary training at an advanced level in one or more of these areas would be beneficial.
Research experience that is particularly relevant includes:
a) quantitative multicomponent analyses of organic compounds at trace levels in tissues of
biological specimens
b) advanced computational methods for data interpretation (eg models for availability,
bioaccumulation; statistical comparisons; principal components; pattern recognition).
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory. Proficiency in basic computer skills is
required (Excel, Word), as well as tools for data interpretation (SAS). Individuals are sought who
demonstrate commitment, enthusiasm, passion, and curiosity in their work, and who have a
genuine professional interest in the chemistry and molecular biology of environmental and
human health.
Interested postdoctoral candidates students should send, by email if possible,
i. a cover letter, briefly stating why they would like to be considered for this project and
when they expect to be available
ii. a CV, including a summary of dissertation research, graduate courses and grades
iii. names/email addresses of 3 references
to:
Dr. Katherine Alben
[Dept. Environ. Health Toxicology, SUNY-Albany]
Wadsworth Center, New York State Dept Health
Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509
Albany, NY 12201-0509
518-473-0774
alben@wadsworth.org
The Wadsworth Center is a comprehensive research and service laboratory, with state-of-the
art instrumentation for chemical and biochemical diagnostics in the health sciences. For further
information, go to:
www.wadsworth.org. Located in downtown Albany, the capital of New
York State, the Wadsworth Center is at the heart of residential communities, diverse cultural and
educational activities, and areas for outdoor recreation (Adirondacks, Catskills, Berkshires;
Hudson and Mohawk rivers).
January 2004